Just what is meant by the phrase, the name of Jesus? Is it merely a formula that Christians use to end their prayers to the one true God? In this article we’ll find there’s actually great significance in this phrase. The word name is found more times in the book of Acts than any other New Testament book. It’s in the book of Acts 36 times, and 34 of those times it refers specifically to the name of Jesus. There’s much to discover about this phrase that’s quite relevant to the gospel itself.

We’ll begin our study in Acts 8. Because of persecution upon the church in Jerusalem, many believers had fled for their lives. Verse 4 tells us, "Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went." This is how it should work. Believers should represent the word wherever they go. If we read on, verse 5 tells us a little more about what it means to preach the word. "Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ there." To preach the word is the same as to proclaim the Christ. A few verses later we find even more detail as to just what that means. Verse 12 says, "But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women." This is the detail that’s included when one preaches the word, or proclaims the Christ. The good news, or gospel includes these two ingredients – the kingdom, and the name of Jesus. Verse 14 then helps us further when it says, "When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them." To preach the word, is the same as to proclaim the Christ, which is the same as to preach the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, all of which is the same as the word of God. These are all synonyms of the gospel. It was upon belief in these two major ingredients of the gospel - the kingdom, and the name of Jesus, that people were then ready for baptism.

In an earlier article (on our web site) we found the focus of Jesus’ message was the kingdom of God. In a nutshell that would include the land, seed and blessing that was promised to Abraham (Genesis 12,13). It would also include the promise to King David that his descendant (Jesus Christ) would sit upon his throne, and rule forever over the people and the land that were promised to Abraham (II Samuel 7). Revelation 21 is a beautiful description of this future kingdom on earth.

In the remainder of this article, we’ll focus on the phrase, the name of Jesus. To believe the name of Jesus is to understand and believe the very basics about Jesus himself. That would have to include at least 5 things – (1) Who he is, (2) What he taught, (3) What he did when he was here on earth, (4) What he’s doing today at the right hand of God, and (5) What he will do when he returns to this earth.

In John 20:31 the Apostle John clarifies exactly why he wrote his gospel, "But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." It’s essential we understand and believe exactly who Jesus is. He is the Christ, the Son of God. Some would have you believe Jesus is actually God himself, but that’s simply not taught in the scriptures. How can Jesus be his own son? For further study on the question of Jesus’ identity, request our free booklet, Who Is Jesus? by Anthony Buzzard.

For a summary of Jesus’ teachings, read the gospels. Notice how frequently he taught about the kingdom of God. He began his ministry, according to Mark 1:15, "The time has come. The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news." When some of his listeners wanted him to stay with them longer, he told them, "I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent." (Luke 4:43) He focused on the kingdom throughout his ministry.

What Jesus did during his earthly ministry, besides teaching about the kingdom, includes clarifying the law, revealing the Father, numerous miracles, his example, and also laying down his life for us. He took our sin upon himself, so we might have his righteousness. This is one of the primary reasons for which Jesus was born according to Matthew 1:21. This is the avenue by which we can enter the kingdom.

Jesus continues to work today. He has ascended to the right hand of God, but he has not gone into retirement. According to Colossians 1:18 he functions as the head of the church. In Matthew 16:13-20 he’s determined to build his church. Hebrews 9:24 and I John 2:1 explain Jesus has entered into the presence of God to serve as our advocate. He is our intercessor before Almighty God.

Perhaps Jesus’ greatest work is what he’ll do when he returns to earth to establish and rule over the kingdom of God. This is the other primary reason for which he was born, according to the words of the angel to Mary in Luke 1:31-33, "You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."

All of the above is a brief summary of what must be considered when one studies the name of Jesus. For further study, please contact us by e-mail, phone, or mail. We’d love to hear from you. We’d also be glad to give you a free copy of Who Is Jesus? by Anthony Buzzard, or we can sign you up for our free home Bible study course.